More about Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat will immerse you in a diving paradise: rich & varied topography, with the world’s richest underwater bio-diversity and sheer abundance or marine life to keep you coming back for more. The huge variety of coral and fish life is reflected in the diversity of dive sites you will visit; Walls, slopes, caves, canyons, seamounts, muck diving and more can be found in Raja Ampat. There are so many divesites to choose from in Raja Ampat that no two trips are ever the same, with such a large area to explore new sites are found all the time, adding to the already extensive list of world renowned sites.

Diving Season

November to April (less rain & much less wind; perfect for diving)

• Water Temp; 27-30 degrees Celsius,
• Air Temp; 27-32 degrees Celsius
• Visibility; 15-30 meters, 
• Currents; mild to strong,
• Level; intermediate to advanced

About the White Manta

An experience of a lifetime awaits you onboard the magnificent New White Manta. Stable, spacious and safe, she is fully equipped to take you on a fascinating diving adventure in the magical waters of Layang Layang and Pulau Tioman in Malaysia, as well Pulau Anambas and Acasta Reef in Indonesia.

The New White Manta is possibly the largest purpose-built RINA CLASS dive vessel in the region. Measuring 46m (150 ft) by 10m (30ft), this steel hull vessel will take up to 24 guests depending on the cruise destinations. The 14 beautifully furnished en-suite cabins, each average 20sqm (200sf) in size, an open outdoor alfresco dining area, an indoor air-conditioned room for dining, speaks of the perfect onboard ambiance of a world class dive holiday. 

With maximum comfort and safety in mind, the New White Manta is well equipped with safety facilities, cruises at 10 knots and the steel hull makes her an ideal vessel for long haul cruises and blue water crossing trips.

Stability

The New White Manta is built with thick steel designed to withstand the hardest sea conditions, offering the stability wooden boats cannot. The 10m width and weight of 580 ton add to the steadiness and ensures uninterrupted rest and relaxation.  The New White Manta is a world class cruising hotel.

Reliability

Built for sea-worthiness, the New White Manta operates on twin engines and is an ultimate dive vessel for long haul cruises and blue water crossing trips.  She is dependable for comfort, convenience and a stress-free dive holiday. 

Exclusivity

The New White Manta will take up to 24 guests depending on destination and if booked as a full charter.  There are 14 beautifully furnished en-suite cabins, each average 20sqm (200sf) in size comprising of  twin/double or triple share cabins.

• 6 cabins on upper deck with window
• 4 cabins on main deck with window
• 4 cabins on below deck no window

Safety

We do not take risks or compromise on the safety and diving of our guests and crew.  In addition to twin engines, the New White Manta is fitted with the following security and safety features:

• All cabins are fitted with speakers, fire and smoke alarms
• All sound proof wall panels are made of fire retardant materials
• Furuno Radar, GPS plotter, Echo Sounders, Auto pilot, AIS
• SSB radio, VHF radio, SART, EPIRB
• Standard Fire Fighting Equipment
• 3 x 30(pax) Life Rafts
• Life Jackets in all cabins
• 4 x tender boats
• 2 x Anchor System (DC/AC)
• First Aid & Oxygen Kit
• Fire Extinguishers
• Satellite Telephone & Wi-Fi
• Night Watch Security

Fire Safety

In the unlikely event of a fire, please be reassured we have the following security and safety features in place;

• All cabins are with speakers, fire and smoke alarms.
• Fire extinguishers can be found throughout, and clearly labelled Exit signs in case of fire/ vessel evacuation.
• Emergency Action Plan provided with Safety Briefing
• Lower deck has 2-way fire escape hatch, located at front (via crew cabin leading to anchor bow area, main deck) & rear (via engine room leading dive & main deck). All guests staying in Lower deck cabins shown these emergency exits.
• Night security from 10pm-5am inside engine room and outside on Main deck.

Personalised Service

The high crew and guest ratio ensures attentive, outstanding and personalised service.  With a total of 20 crew members working onboard, we are committed to your comfort and enjoyment.

• 2 Captains/Deck Officers
• 3 Engineers
• 5 Dive guides
• 2 Chefs
• 1 Masseuses
• 2 Hostesses
• 1 Cruise Leader (Instructor)
• 4 Dinghy Drivers/Deck Hands

How to get to & from Sorong (SOQ)

Raja Ampat trips start and finish in Sorong, West Papua, we will be there to meet you at Sorong Airport (SOQ) and transport you to your liveaboard adventure. It is easiest to fly to & from Sorong (SOQ) via Jakarta (CGK), Makassar (UPG Ujung Pandang), Bali (DPS, Denpasar), or Manado (MDC).

• International Flights; Silk Air operates regularly from Singapore to Manado. *Garuda Indonesia fly daily from Singapore to Makassar, then Domestic flight to Sorong. During the stopover in Makassar; you may wish to take advantage of some rest between flights, just remember to set your alarms in good time for your early flight to Sorong! Ibis Makassar Airport is located right on the side of the exit door, alternatively the Harper Perintis Hotel is just a 15min drive from the airport and offers good value & comfortable rooms.
• Garuda Indonesia offer daily direct flights from Jakarta to Sorong with flights GA 682 (ETD Jakarta 00:20 / ETA 06:35 Sorong ) and GA 683 (ETD Sorong 07:25 / ETA 08:55 Jakarta) both flights fit perfectly with our schedule and make the domestic flight so much more pleasant!
• Air Asia Indonesia offer direct flights between Jakarta & Sorong 4 times a week (Mon, Wed, Fri & Sun) with flights QZ 706 (ETD Jakarta 01:20 / ETA 07:25) and QZ 707 ETD Sorong 07:55 / ETA Jakarta 09:40) both flights also fit perfectly with our schedule.
• Jakarta (CGK); If you are travelling via Jakarta some International & Domestic flights do not always arrive/depart from same terminal building. If yours is one here is a useful Transfer link. Note; If taking Garuda International flight to Jakarta and connecting directly to Sorong we recommend to double check the luggage belt in Jakarta incase your luggage is offloaded in error.
• Domestic airlines; There are a number of operators who offer domestic flights to and from Sorong; Garuda Indonesia / Sriwijaya Air / Lion Air  / Air Asia

How to book flights;

• Book online directly; With carriers; Garuda Indonesia, Air Asia & Lion Wings. 

What's included?

• Free transfer from local hotel or Domine Edward Osok Airport, Sorong to White Manta on Trip Departure day and return transfer
• All nights' accommodation on Boat
• All meals (Western & Indonesian) snacks, hot beverages, coffee, tea, Milo, soft drinks
• Towels, toiletries & cabin services
• FOC replacement if equipment breakdown
• Warm towel & drink after every dive
• Regular Air Tanks, weights, belt, 5 dive guides (1x Instructor, 4x Dive Masters)
• Up to 26 Dives

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What's excluded?

• All flights & hotels stay
• Marine Park & Harbour fee  ($250 PP)
• Dive & Travel insurance
• Massage services
• Laundry services 
• Nespresso coffee, alcohol; beer & wine
• Satellite Wi-Fi
• Diving Gear
• Nitrox Enriched Air fills
• Dive Insurance - e.g. DAN (mandatory)
• Note; Nitrox & Diving Gear Items priced per diving day and are subject to availability.
• Note: Exposure suits; 3mm shorty wetsuits available ONLY.  

Additional Charges/Fees (Paid on Board)

• Marine Park & Harbour fee; US$250 per person 
• Massage US$35/ hour,  Laundry services (US$10/ basket)
• Nespresso coffee: US$2, beer US$4, wine US$30-50/bottle
• Satellite Wi-Fi US$30 for trip per person.
• Nitrox; US$15/ diving day or US$5/ fill